Photo: Disney Channel/Courtesy Everett Collection

Gotta Kick it Up

America Ferrera has become a leading actress since making her onscreen debut on the Disney Channel in 2002.

On Saturday, the Golden Globe winner, 37,celebrated 20 years since filming her first rolein the Disney Channel original movie (DCOM, for the die-hard Disney kids)Gotta Kick It Up!“20 years ago today was my first day as a working actress,” she wrote in the caption.

“My mind was blown that my dream was becoming a reality,” she added. “I was being PAID to act and dance in a Disney Channel Movie called Gotta Kick It Up! I couldn’t believe I was rehearsing with real dancers and choreographers, that all the snacks were free, and that my wardrobe fitting was on the famous Warner Brothers lot where I spotted George Clooney playing basketball andBrad PittandJennifer Anistonhanging out in the door of his trailer!!”

Ferrera starred alongside Camille Guaty, Jhoanna Flores, Suilma Rodriguez and Sabrina Wiener in the movie, which was based on the true story of a group of Latina middle school girls who started a dance troupe.

Ferrera fondly reflected on the excitement of her first acting gig, which came before she landed starring roles inThe Sisterhood of the Traveling PantsandUgly Betty.

“I soaked up every moment of being on that set with @camilleguaty @suilma #sabrinawiener & #jhoannaflores because the truth was I had no idea if I’d ever get the chance to do it again,” theSuperstorealum continued.

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Disney Channel/Courtesy Everett Collection

Gotta Kick it Up

Ferrera previously recalled a casting agentasking her to “sound more Latina"during her first audition.

America Ferrera.Eddy Chen/NBC

SUPERSTORE – “Cloud 9.0” Episode 501 – Pictured: America Ferrera as Amy

The actress/director/producer explained that the moment “fueled me to create more opportunity for little brown girls to fulfill their talent and their dream.”

Ferrera most recentlyserved as a multi-hyphenateon her NBC seriesSuperstore, which ended last month after six seasons.

source: people.com